5 Minutes With Shel Pink, founder of SpaRitual

When nail polish became a need-it-or-die category years ago, there’s one brand that stood out amongst the manicure moguls — an uplifting beauty renegade that’s had the hearts of beautifiers worldwide for years. It seems like they know exactly what a nail-geek needs.

And part of the company’s intuitive success is thanks to Shel Pink, founder of SpaRitual who makes no compromises when it comes to beauty, especially manicures. She’s been in the business of beauty for more than 11 years. We get her insight on what’s trending in nails and how to succeed in the beauty business while staying wonderfully grounded.

Stylesight: What were your favorite beauty looks on the Spring 2014 runways?
Shel Pink: “I’m really into menswear for the S/S 14 season: Valentino, Ferragamo and Jil Sander. Right now, I’m inspired by timeless lines and minimal silhouettes. For me these looks and colors inspire expressions in beauty in face, hair, and clothing style.”

SS: Music, fabrics, art, icons: which of these are inspiring you for the F/W 14 season?
SP: “Icons are inspiring me for 2014. My current obsession is Maude from the movie Harold and Maude. She embodies neoteny (latin for “holding youth”). She embodies the psychological state of freedom, joy, creativity and playfulness. Gifts she unearthed from her personal life struggles. She lives life as if it is an on-going journey. I just love that.”

SS: Your motto that has set you on a path to success?
SP: “Love yourself and be tenacious.”

SS: What is the secret to succeeding in the beauty business? Is there one?
SP: “Be authentic. The people in the professional beauty and wellness industry are my heroes. They truly care about helping people to look good and feel good. I’ve made lifelong friendships in this industry with people who are spiritual and soulful about how they approach life, work and relationships.”

SS: What is the one thing that helps give you an inspirational pick-me-up?
SP: “Music and meditation. I know that’s two things but I need both in my life to stay inspired. Music is my muse and meditation is my touchstone.”

SS: Good luck charm (item, person, or pet?)
SP: “I would say that through my meditation practice I mine the gifts within and because meditation helps you to live in the present you are more aware and open to the many opportunities that present themselves to you. When you are more aware in that way you can seize those opportunities and that is luck. It isn’t a person or thing that brings you luck, it’s more of a positive state of mind. Cultivating that makes you a lucky person.”

SS: First experience with beauty? Tell us about a moment or memory.
SP: “I remember getting my hands on a color palette of eye shadows that my mom had at home. There must have been at least 30 colors. It was so exciting to see all of these colors so I tried on every single color. It felt like I was painting myself. I think I was 10 years old.”

SS: Beauty product (skincare or makeup) you’d never live or leave the house without?SP: “SpaRitual Handprint Hand Salve and SpaRitual lip gloss.”

SS: Name the beauty campaign or editorial spread (old or new) that’s inspired you the most.SP: “I have to say Dove. I love how they challenge the perception of body image and self- image. What the brand does is incredibly important. It’s provocative and makes people stop and think and reflect about how beauty truly comes from within. I also love anything Kate Spade does because it is always so colorful, joyful and whimsical.”